Simplicity 2700

Just finished this pair of navy linen trousers. Overall, I'm pleased with how they turned out. The pattern comes in slim, regular, and curvy. I altered it to take in the waist and let out the hip. I also added a permanent seamed crease along the front. It turned out nice, but make sure you are absolutely on grain when you do that or your pant will start to turn below the knee.

I have fairly short legs, so I'm wondering if I should have taken the flare out of the leg to add visual length. The waist band is also a little wide for me, but a top will probably hide that most of the time.

I got David Page Coffin's new book, "Making Trousers" and it mentions that the mark of better sewn garments are pockets that hang free of the side seam. That would certainly reduce bulk on the side seam, so I may give that a try next time.




I think the most effective alteration I made was lengthening the crotch seam. It really made a difference in how the pants fit in the rear. The picture shows my altered pants against a pair of Banana Republic pants I've had for a while. My alterations are definitely a step in the right direction, but apparently my right leg is bigger than my left because of all the wrinkles on that side. But --- I'm getting there!